Marine and Polar

At the International Whaling Commission (IWC) annual meeting in Agadir, Morocco, scientists warned that a seismic survey planned off Sakhalin Island by the Russian petroleum company Rosneft could seriously threaten the critically endangered Western Gray Whale population. …

In the rush to find new sources of energy and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, offshore wind farms are increasingly seen as an attractive solution, but their potential impact on marine biodiversity should not be overlooked. …

A new study discussing governance options to improve the conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction was developed by four students in a partnership between the John Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). …

As more people live in urban environments and along coastal stretches, recognizing the impacts of water management from source to sea is vital. These links, across multiple habitats and ecosystems are often poorly understood. …

Survival and recovery of the Western Gray Whale population depends on continued and strengthened collaboration among scientists, governments and industry. The 8th meeting of the Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel, held in Geneva on 16-18 April 2010, promoted this crucial multi-stakeholder dialogue and led to the development of new recommendations to minimize industry impacts on endangered whales. …

Previous to the Antarctic Treaty Meeting of Experts scheduled for the 6–9th of April 2010 in Svolvær, Norway (link), the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) released the results of two studies on the impact of climate change on species. …

The Red Sea is home to one of the world's richest coral reef systems which, like almost all other reefs around the world, is suffering from the impacts of climate change. Coral bleaching is threatening not only the reef, but the tourism and fishing industries and the coastal communities who depend on it. … | French